The Best Daycare Centers in Big Spring, TX
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Big Spring. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Big Spring
Children's Lighthouse of Big Spring
Children's Lighthouse Learning Centers
Children's Lighthouse of Big Spring offers a comprehensive Values-Based curriculum that focuses on character development alongside academic readiness. The center provides age-appropriate learning environments with structured daily schedules that balance educational activities, creative play, and physical development. Features include secure entry systems, certified early childhood educators, and a literacy-rich environment. Their proprietary curriculum emphasizes phonics, math readiness, and social-emotional learning, with dedicated infant rooms featuring low child-to-teacher ratios. The facility includes modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritional meal programs following Texas childcare standards.
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Primrose School of Midland at Westridge
Primrose Schools
As part of the nationally recognized Primrose Schools network, this facility serves families throughout the West Texas region including Big Spring. The Balanced Learning® curriculum combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from degreed early childhood teachers. Features include STEAM labs, literacy-rich classrooms, and outdoor learning environments. The school maintains rigorous safety protocols including secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. Parent communication is enhanced through real-time updates and regular developmental assessments. The curriculum focuses on building foundational skills in literacy, mathematics, and social development while promoting character and citizenship.
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The Goddard School of Odessa
Goddard Systems, LLC
The Goddard School of Odessa provides a premier early childhood education program serving families across the Permian Basin region, including Big Spring residents. Their F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program combines play-based learning with academic preparation, guided by qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials. The facility features secure classrooms, age-appropriate learning centers, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different developmental stages. The curriculum emphasizes literacy development, STEM exploration, and social skills through hands-on activities. Safety measures include electronic entry systems, comprehensive staff training, and health protocols. The school maintains strong parent partnerships through regular communication and portfolio assessments tracking child development milestones.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Big Spring, TX
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Big Spring, TX, and are there any local assistance programs?
In Big Spring, the cost for full-time daycare or preschool typically ranges from $400 to $650 per month, which is generally lower than the state average. Infant care tends to be on the higher end of that scale. Several factors influence cost, including the type of facility (home-based vs. center-based), the age of your child, and whether meals are provided. For financial assistance, Texas Workforce Solutions (TWS) offers the Child Care Services (CCS) program for qualifying families based on income, work, or school attendance. Locally, you can contact the TWS office in Big Spring or Howard County to apply. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How can I verify that a daycare in Big Spring is properly licensed and check its compliance history?
All licensed daycare centers and registered home-based operations in Big Spring are regulated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). The most reliable way to verify a provider's status and history is to use the online "Texas Child Care Search" tool on the HHSC website. This public database allows you to search by provider name, city (Big Spring), or zip code. It will show you the facility's license type, capacity, age ranges served, and most importantly, its inspection reports and any serious violations or deficiencies found during state inspections. You can also call the HHSC Child Care Licensing office for the West Texas region for additional information.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Big Spring, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Yes, waitlists are common, especially for infant care (children under 18 months) due to stricter state-mandated caregiver-to-child ratios. In Big Spring, where the number of licensed facilities is limited compared to larger cities, securing a spot can require advanced planning. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin touring facilities and getting on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy, or at least 6-9 months before their needed start date. For toddler or preschool-age openings, a 2-4 month lead time is often sufficient. Be sure to ask about the waitlist policy, including any deposit required and how often you should check in to maintain your spot.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Big Spring, TX?
Parents in Big Spring typically have three main types of licensed/regulated options: Child Care Centers, Registered Child Care Homes, and Listed Family Homes. Centers are larger facilities, often with structured preschool curricula, and may be affiliated with churches or community organizations. Registered Child Care Homes are smaller, home-based settings licensed for up to 12 children, offering a more family-like environment. Listed Family Homes are registered for care of up to 3 unrelated children and provide the most informal setting. Given the city's size, home-based providers (Registered and Listed) make up a significant portion of the local market. There are also a few licensed preschools and Head Start programs for qualifying families.
What are some local resources or organizations in Big Spring that can help me find and evaluate childcare?
A key local resource is the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R)** service provided by the **Permian Basin Regional Planning Commission**. While not based in Big Spring, they serve the region and can provide free referrals to licensed providers in Howard County. You can contact them by phone or online. Additionally, the **Howard County Health Department** can sometimes provide general guidance. For hands-on evaluation, talk to other parents at local parks, community centers like the Dorothy Garrett Coliseum, or through Big Spring community Facebook groups. Your pediatrician's office may also have recommendations based on feedback from other local families.